How To Easily Fit Into Japanese Society

If you are interested in traveling to Japan, either for business or leisure, this very useful knol can help you a great deal in you endeavour to fit into the Japanese society.

The knol ellaborates 5 of the most important aspects of Japanese culture, customs and etiquette that you should be aware of:

1. Meeting and greeting
   Bowing is one of the most simple yet important forms of etiquette, representing many purposes: A form of greeting, a sign of respect, to accompany an apology, and various other situations.
2. Visiting a Japanese house
   First and foremost, remember to take off your shoes, whether you are visiting a home, business, hotels and many other establishments. If you are visiting a home, also try to bring a simple gift for the hostess.
3. Eating and drinking
   At a restaurant, you will be presented with moist rolled towel before you started to eat – Use it to clean your hands, not your face. Before you start eating, try to use the phrase “itadakimasu”, an expression of gratitude.
4. Bathing
   You will typically be given an honour to bathe first, usually before dinner time. Before you start to bathe, wash yourself in a shower first.
5. Other things you should know
   If you are “out of the ordinary” – e.g. very tall, be ready to be stared at. Also, avoid kissing in public.

For more detailed explanation on each of the 5 customs, please visit the knol.